Independent Unionist MLA Claire Sugden has been announced as the new Justice Minister.

East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden has been unveiled as the agreed Democratic Unionist and Sinn Fein candidate.

The move ends any uncertainty over whether a new coalition would be formed in Belfast.

The other ministries will be shared out between the DUP and Sinn Fein during an Assembly sitting later on Wednesday.

With the Ulster Unionists and SDLP having opted to form an official opposition and the Alliance Party also deciding not to re-enter the power-sharing executive in the wake of the Assembly election, the DUP and Sinn Fein had faced somewhat of a quandary as to who would be justice minister.

Both parties previously vetoed the other taking the job, instead relying on the cross-community Alliance Party to fill the post.

Mrs Foster said the independent MLA would be a minister for “all the people” of Northern Ireland.

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness with new Justice Minister Claire Sugden at Parliament Buildings, Stormont

“Martin and I are delighted that Claire has agreed to be the new justice minister in the new mandate and we are very much looking forward to working with her,” she said.

Mr McGuinness hailed Ms Sugden as “impressive and progressive”.

“I am equally as delighted as Arlene that Claire has agreed to take up this onerous responsibility, this very challenging position but we have every confidence in her ability,” he said.

Unlike most posts in the executive, the justice post can only be filled with the endorsement of a cross-community vote - meaning that a majority of nationalist MLAs and a majority of unionists must support the candidate.